The nation that will insist upon drawing a broad line of distinction between the fighting man and the thinking man is liable to find its fighting done by fools and its thinking by cowards.
-- Sir William Francis Butler

Definitely a instant history. Derived from Friedman's columns and personal notes. Skip this one and go with "Lexus and the Olive Tree", "The World is Flat" or one of his longer and more "timeless" books.

Liked Ambrose's books on D-Day, The Band of Brothers and Pegasus Bridge more than this. This one, coming near the end of his career, feels more like a synthesis of his earlier works rather than a good extension (with new material).

The story of one unit in the Western Front during WWII. Also an excellent miniseries (but I liked the book better). I also enjoyed "Pegasus Bridge" by Ambrose, which looks at one unit during one action on D-Day.

Very good mix of the personal (both biographical details and day-to-day journal) and the professional (how to win friends and influence people both in the service and in the country you are occupying). Lots of good "COIN" nuggets in the text and the final chapter is a must read.

A pretty brief book (two long essays). S.L.A. Marshall has something of a reputation nowadays (especially after Hackworth's "About Face" came out), but has produced some good stuff. This essay, on how weight can kill an assault and how staff tends to overburden the soldier makes some great points. And there are some very funny bits that every commander should read, especially the one about the one commander who put on everything that staff had dictated a common soldier should carry--and presented himself to the general of the unit (who obviously had no clue of what his soldiers were being asked to carry!).

I can't count the number of times I've read this (or "read" it as an audiobook--alas, abridged) or seen the movie. Excellent study of what went right (how people fought for each other) or wrong (no tanks, leadership mistakes, not sticking to what should have been part of the equipment, etc.). Very highly recommended.

I've read this several times (and have even "read" it as a audiobook). Be warned that there are multiple editions (and multiple translations). Most seem to prefer the edition by Sawyer, I'm still undecided. A classic work.

Had to read this for work one year. Some interesting stuff, but avoid all the "spin-offs" (Covey has run this horse into the ground.). Not everything in the book will work for all, but everybody should find something of use.

My favorite book on D Day still remains the classic "The Longest Day", but this one by Ambrose (as well as works by Keegan and others) are good updates/expansions. Hopefully the third volume in Atkinson's "Liberation Trilogy" will be the capstone to this period of the war.

I read this during the dotcom bubble and even had the chance to see Christensen speak at a conference (and get my copy autographed). Good way of getting people to think "outside of the box" (which hasn't helped in herding the flock of cats that is my daughter's Odyssey of the Mind team! ;) )

I've run through the O'Brian tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin several times now. They are among my favorites. Hint for new readers: M&C is somewhat slow to start, keep at it and you'll be rewarded handsomely!

One of the best military SF novels out there. How can I say that? Look at the number of author's who have followed in the footsteps (Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi, John Ringo, John Steakley and many others). Good mix of how to train, philosophy and morals, and great action. On the bounce!

An O.K., book, but somewhat aged. I prefer Tracy Kidder's "Soul of a New Machine" for a look on how the IT industry works (also aged, but just a better written book, so has stood the test of time more gracefully).

Read this as part of my non-fiction/military fiction reading program for 2010, following the USMC list as a model. Good story of a soldier who is cut off behind enemy lines for several months (!). He manages to survive and build and irregular force that harasses the enemy until he can rejoin his unit--clothing worn, severely underweight, but with his rifle functioning and his equipment present. Excellent!